Defending champions Germany crashed out of the knockout stage for the first time in the modern era. Needing to beat already-eliminated South Korea, Joachim Low’s side conceded two stoppage-time goals in humiliating fashion to leave them bottom of the group.

Korea’s deep defence and aggressive organisation restricted Germany’s movement and opportunities in the first half but after the break and on the brink of elimination, Germany pushed forward for what seemed like the inevitable goal. Keeper Cho saved brilliantly from Leon Goretzka’s header, Timo Werner’s volley missed the target, substitute Mario Gomez headed wide and Mats Hummels, unmarked six yards out, headed over.

In stoppage time Korea hit on the break through Kim Young-gwon’s VAR- confirmed goal. Germany’s humiliation was complete when, in the 96th minute and in comical circumstances, with Manuel Neuer pushed up in attack, Son scored a second to spark jubilant Korean celebrations.

It was the first time since 1938 that Germany failed to progress from the group stages.

Talking point

Germany coach Joachim Low again made changes to his starting team, dropping Thomas Muller, giving Leon Goretzka a first start and surprisingly bringing Sami Khedira back in. The changes had little effect and probably contributed to Germany’s lethargy and lack of cohesion.

Toni Kroos kept Germany’s World Cup campaign alive in dramatic style with a blistering free-kick that won the game in the final seconds of stoppage time.

Germany boss Joachim Low made changes to his starting line-up, dropping Mesut Ozil and bringing in Marco Reus, and he shook things up at half-time, bringing on an extra striker after Sweden had taken the lead through Ola Toivonen and could have gone further ahead with a series of counter-attacks. Reus equalised early in the second half but Germany missed a host of chances to grab the winner and saw Jerome Boateng sent off. Sweden looked to have clung on for a point when Julian Brandt was fouled on the left hand flank with seconds remaining. Kroos, who had given the ball away for Sweden’s goal, stepped up to dispatch an unstoppable last-gasp shot into the far corner.

Sweden had strong claims for a penalty in the first half when Jerome Boateng pushed Marcus Berg as the Swedish striker on goal, but there was no VAT intervention. Boateng should have gone for the foul on Berg, but he eventually departed following a second yellow.

Stats

Germany/Sweden

Possession (%): 71/29

Goal attempts: 16/8

Attempts on target: 4/1

Corners: 8/3

Fouls: 12/13

Pass accuracy (%): 91/77

Distance covered (km): 111/110

Germany vs Mexico (17th June) Match Report

The Germans are favourites, but have not had the perfect build up to the tournament. Match preview here.

Defending champions Germany lost their opening game for the first time since 1982 after they were stunned by Mexico, who pulled off their greatest World Cup performance.

Germany struggled to cope with Mexico’s pressing and speedy counter-attacks but for the opening half-hour Mexico were unable to supply the killer final ball. But they took a deserved lead when Hirving Lozano’s brilliant strike completed a devastating move as the Mexicans ripped apart the world champions on the counter-attack.

Germany were more composed in the second half and enjoyed more possession as they pressed forward. But Timo Werner and substitute Mario Gomez both missed excellent opportunities to equalise.

Hirving Lozano scores to put Mexico 1-0 up (Getty Images)

Matter of fact

By playing in this fifth World Cup, Rafael Marquez equalled the record of Antonio Carbajal (Mexico) and Lothar Matthaus (Germany). He alsobecame the first player to captain his country at five different World Cups.

Talking point

Joshua Kimmich’s forays forward on Germany’s right flank left gaps for Mexico to exploit and Germany’s outnumbered central midfield of Toni Kroos and Sami Khedira were unable to cope with the counter-attacks. It was a thoroughly uncharacteristic performance from Germany, who lacked their usual composure and gave the ball away far too often.

Stats

Germany/Mexico

Possession: 60/40

Goal attempts: 25/12

Attempts on target: 9/6

Corners: 8/1

Fouls: 10/15

Pass accuracy: 86/82

Distance covered: 110/106

Germany World Cup Guide

Compiling the best-ever World Cup qualifying campaign by a European team, Germany were absolutely ruthless, winning all 10 of their games and ending up with a gargantuan goal-difference of +39. Coach Joachim Low would have been especially pleased with the way his team shared the goals out, with no fewer than 21 players on the scoresheet.

Key Moments in Qualifying

Sep 2016
Keeper Manuel Neuer makes his bow as captain, while Thomas Muller ends a 10-month international goal drought in a 3-0 win over Norway.Oct 2016
A 2-0 win in Hanover against Northern Ireland makes it three wins out of three, courtesy of goals from Julian Draxler and Sami Khedira.Sep 2017Mats Hummels’ header secures a 2-1 victory in the Czech Republic but, furious at the behaviour of Nazi sympathisers in the stands in Prague, the German players refuse to celebrate with their fans at the final whistle.Oct 2017
Qualification is sealed as Northern Ireland are beaten 3-1 in Belfast.

Germany World Cup Group

Germany World Cup Friendlies

On the 23rd of March Germany drew 1-1- with Spain after a Thomas Muller strike. Four days later they then lost 1-0 to Brazil. On the 2nd of June they lost 2-1 to Austria, but six days later they beat Saudi Arabia by the same scoreline.

Joachim Low, age 57 (03.02.60)
Appointed July 2006 and under contract until 2020, he is currently Europe’s longest-serving national coach. “Jogi” has done a remarkable job as Bundestrainer, steering his side to the world title in 2014 and countless near-misses in other tournaments. He has also revolutionised the German style of play, abandoning the strong arm and the safety first for dynamism and creativity.

Options: Low has a multitude of options at his disposal in the German squad (Getty Images)

The PlayersStars
With his 20/20 vision, exceptional distribution and icy composure, midfield ace Toni Kroos is the man who sets the strategic tone. Whether it be on or off the pitch, centre-back Mats Hummels stands for immaculate leadership.Stalwarts
Following a spell in the international doldrums, Thomas Muller bounced back with a vengeance in the qualifiers, scoring five goals and making seven others. Joshua Kimmich was Germany’s only ever-present on the road to Russia, notably catching the eye with his nine assists.MissingManuel Neuer sat out the bulk of the campaign with a broken foot. Beset by groin and cruciate ligament injuries, attacker Marco Reus did not play in a single qualifier.Debuts
Already spoilt for choice in the midfield department, Germany have discovered yet another ace schemer in Leon Goretzka. Striker Timo Werner made an immediate impact on the side, netting three goals in just two starts in qualifying.

Probable Starting XI

Germany World Cup Injuries

Emre Can may not feature all that much considering the amount of midfield talent Germany has, but he could play in the less games if he recovers from his back injury suffered when playing for Liverpool.

Marco Reus is currently working his way back from a serious knee injury, and has often been beset by groin and ligament problems. He missed the 2014 World Cup with an ankle injury.

Jerome Boateng also has an injury in his hamstring that could keep him to of the tournament.

Class: Toni Kroos (left) and Mats Hummels (right) are the aces of the squad, whereas Thomas Muller (middle) should never be taken lightly either (Getty Images)

The Unanswered Questions

Who could pay the price for a lack of game time at club level?
Low has to be concerned that a number of his squad are either bench fodder or struggling with injuries, not least keeper Kevin Trapp and midfielder Julian Draxler at PSG, Dortmund wide-man Andre Schurrle and Juventus’ Benedikt Howedes.

Bench: Julian Draxler should be concerned as he is not playing enough for Paris Saint Germain (Getty Images)

Does Low have a full-back problem?
There is no real alternative to Joshua Kimmich at right-back and there is cause for concern on the other flank too. The usual incumbent, Jonas Hector – who has had regular ankle problems – has his limitations. RB Leipzig’s Marcel Halstenberg made his debut against England at Wembley.

False nine or target man?
Low has options. Either Mario Gomez as a traditional centre-forward, or Timo Werner as the crafty freewheeler. Nor is a strike-duo out of the question.

Free Newsletter

Please keep me up to date with special offers and news from World Soccer and other brands operated by TI Media Limited via email. You can unsubscribe at any time.

We'd also like to send you special offers and news just by email from other carefully selected companies we think you might like. Your personal details will not be shared with those companies - we send the emails and you can unsubscribe at any time. Please tick here if you are happy to receive these messages.